Principal Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Principal Mechanical EngineerLocation: Plymouth, Devon + Hybrid Working ArrangementsCompensation: Starting Salary from £59,110 dependent upon experience + BenefitsRole Type: Full time / PermanentRole ID: SF65708Lead the Future of Engineering ExcellenceAt Babcock we're working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as a Principal Mechanical Engineer at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.The roleAs a Principal Engineer, you'll have a role that's out of the ordinary. Join us as a Principal Mechanical Engineer in a forward-thinking, agile environment where your technical expertise and leadership will drive innovation and support national defence. You'll oversee the design and delivery of bespoke mechanical handling and lifting equipment for refit support operations, making a tangible impact on engineering excellence.Day-to-day, you'll Provide technical support and design consultancy for non-nuclear and nuclear mechanical, you'll lead a team of engineers designing and delivering bespoke mechanical handling and lifting equipment for submarine and warship refit programmes. You'll oversee technical reviews, sign off designs and calculations, and provide expert guidance on complex engineering challenges.Leading and managing a team of engineers working on refit support equipmentReviewing and signing off technical designs, calculations, and documentationAttending authorisation group meetings and supporting fault diagnosisConducting asset condition surveys and preparing health reportsResponding to technical queries and reviewing industry standardsThis role is full time, 35 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements. Essential experience of the Principal Mechanical EngineerExtensive industry experience in mechanical engineering environments, as a Principal Engineer, Engineering Manager, or Senior EngineerSkilled in Inventor (preferred), SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or other 3D design toolsExperienced in hand calculationsProficiency in FEA (Finite Element Analysis) - DesirableQualifications for the Principal Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineering degree or CEng accreditation or qualified by experienceChartered Engineer status (support provided) - DesirableSecurity ClearanceThe successful candidate must be a sole UK national who is able to achieve and maintain Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPPI) security clearance for this role.Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).What we offer Generous holiday allowance Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assuranceAccess to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+Employee share scheme Employee shopping savings portalPayment of Professional FeesReservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows the majority of employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement'Be Kind Day' enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charityExcellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeingBabcock International For over a century Babcock has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal. We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header 'Reasonable adjustments requirement'. We're committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone's free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working - please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview. Closing date: 10/12/2025#BABDESTNUC#IND-ENG#CAMPAIGN-8